Customer Reviews (119)

MikeAppReview • 2024-12-07T18:59:39-07:00

This is the best app on the market. You can add your own elements. Just wish it was available cross platform.

Str8 Up Truth • 2023-08-16T16:22:24-07:00

I was very skeptical at first for it shows the last developer activity seen on the app was two years ago, and then it being $9.99 …I was almost certain this was a mistake… I was wrong. No lie, his is actually the most solid app for satellite tracking. I’ve been using these apps for years and not one comes remotely close to this app layout/design.. Maybe Heavens Above(which is not available on the iOS App Store any longer), but this is actually better. Well done! Now I get to delete the several sat tracking apps I’ve been using.

rixridge • 2023-03-31T19:30:48-07:00

I have tried several sat apps. I always come back to this one. Nothing is perfect but for me it’s sure close.

Summary of Key Insights

GoSatWatch is generally well-received as a solid satellite tracking app, particularly praised for its accuracy, ease of use, and ability to add custom satellite data. However, the app suffers from several pain points, including occasional crashes, lack of updates, and feature gaps compared to competitors. While many users appreciate its clean interface and core functionality, there are consistent requests for improvements to notifications, additional satellite information, and enhanced amateur radio support. The app's last update was some time ago, and the age is starting to show in terms of stability and feature set.

Overall sentiment is positive, reflected in the high number of 5-star reviews. However, the negative reviews highlight critical issues that need addressing to maintain user satisfaction and prevent churn.

  • Overall Rating: High (significant number of 5-star reviews)
  • Key Strengths: Accuracy, ease of use, customizable satellite sets
  • Key Weaknesses: Lack of recent updates, crashes, limited features compared to competitor apps, notification issues
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5 Stars: 61.3% (73 reviews)
    • 4 Stars: 16% (19 reviews)
    • 3 Stars: 4.2% (5 reviews)
    • 2 Stars: 7.6% (9 reviews)
    • 1 Stars: 10.9% (13 reviews)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 119 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span several years, with some reviews referencing older iOS versions and specific events (e.g., the Space Shuttle program). It's difficult to determine the precise time frame without exact dates for all reviews, but the content suggests a long period.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on the language used.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently used words and phrases to determine common themes and issues.
    • Feature Request Identification: Extracting requests for new or improved features.
    • Issue Categorization: Grouping similar problems reported by users.

Key User Pain Points

  • Crashes: Several users reported crashes, especially after updates or on specific iOS versions. This significantly impacts usability.
  • Lack of Updates: Many reviewers point out the lack of recent updates, expressing concern about the app's long-term viability and compatibility with newer iOS versions.
  • Notification Issues: Some users experienced problems with notifications, including excessive alarms and lack of customization.
  • Orbital Data Update Failures: Some users were unable to update orbital data, rendering the app useless.
  • Battery Drain: One user mentioned excessive CPU usage and battery drain.
  • Inaccurate/Missing Data: Some users reported inaccurate satellite tracking or a lack of certain satellites in the database.
  • Location Tracking Issues: One user expressed privacy concerns related to the app requiring "Always" location access.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Iridium Flare Prediction: Many users requested the ability to predict Iridium flares.
  • Amateur Radio Support: Several amateur radio operators requested features like up/downlink frequencies, integration with AMSAT data, and Doppler shift frequency display.
  • Satellite Information: Users wanted more information about the satellites being tracked, such as their purpose, launch date, and country of origin.
  • Augmented Reality View: Some users suggested an augmented reality view using the camera to visualize satellite paths.
  • Improved Notifications: Users requested more customizable notifications, including multiple reminders and integration with calendar/reminder apps.
  • Universal iPad Support: Several older reviews requested iPad optimization and a universal app design.
  • Moon Phase Information: One user requested the inclusion of the moon's relative location and phase.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Accuracy: Many users praised the app's accuracy in predicting satellite passes.
  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered easy to use, with a clean and intuitive interface.
  • Customizable Satellite Sets: Users appreciate the ability to add their own satellite data and customize satellite sets.
  • Sky View: The sky view feature, which uses the device's compass to show satellite positions, was well-received.
  • Offline Functionality: The ability to use the app offline after updating orbital data is a plus.
  • Developer Responsiveness: Some older reviews mentioned the developer being responsive to feedback.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Address Crashes: Investigate and fix the reported crash issues, ensuring compatibility with current iOS versions.
    • Update Orbital Data Issues: Resolve the problems users have with updating orbital data.
    • Release a Maintenance Update: Publish a maintenance update to address bugs and improve stability, reassuring users that the app is actively maintained.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Improve Notifications: Enhance notification customization options and fix reported issues with alarms.
    • Implement Amateur Radio Features: Add features requested by amateur radio operators, such as frequency information and Doppler shift display.
    • Add Satellite Information: Include more information about the satellites being tracked.
    • Optimize Battery Usage: Reduce CPU usage and battery drain.
    • Review Location Tracking Permissions: Provide options for location tracking only when the app is in use.
  • Low Priority:
    • Implement Augmented Reality View: Explore the feasibility of adding an augmented reality view.
    • Add Moon Phase Information: Consider including the moon's location and phase.
    • Update App Icon: Address the comment about the app icon being too busy.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Augmented Reality Satellite Tracking App: Develop a dedicated augmented reality app for satellite tracking, overlaying satellite paths onto the real-world view through the device's camera.
  • Amateur Radio Satellite Communication App: Create an app specifically designed for amateur radio satellite communication, including features like frequency management, Doppler shift correction, and satellite pass prediction.
  • Educational Satellite Tracking App: Develop an app that combines satellite tracking with educational content, providing information about satellite missions, technology, and space exploration.

Trends and Observations

  • Aging Codebase: The age of the app is becoming a significant concern, with users worried about compatibility and the lack of new features.
  • Feature Parity Expectations: Users expect feature parity with other satellite tracking apps, including Iridium flare prediction and more comprehensive satellite information.
  • Amateur Radio Niche: There's a strong niche market of amateur radio operators who are interested in satellite tracking apps.
  • Positive Core Functionality: The core functionality of the app (accurate satellite tracking) is still highly valued by users.

Conclusion

GoSatWatch is a solid app with a loyal user base, but it needs a significant update to address stability issues, add requested features, and reassure users about its long-term viability. By focusing on the prioritized action recommendations, the developer can revitalize the app and maintain its position as a leading satellite tracking tool. Without updates, the app risks losing users to more actively maintained competitors.

Overall Recommendation: Release a maintenance update as soon as possible to address crashes and stability issues. Then, prioritize feature enhancements based on user demand and market trends.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gosatwatch-satellite-tracking/id30054671?uo=2